Wear layer and luxury vinyl flooring; what to know

Luxury vinyl flooring elevates home decor with its high-end look and offers functionality ideal for even the busiest lifestyle. With many styles designed for three installation methods, there is sure to be a plank or tile that seems to be made just for your home.

Trendy vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring are found at Indoor City in Lancaster, PA.

Four layers

Multiple-layer luxury vinyl planks and tiles feature a transparent wear layer that covers the hardwood or tile image layer and protects it from stains and scratches.

The core layer, which makes up the bulk of the flooring, is situated beneath the image layer. A backing layer protects the core and the subfloor and supports the entire plank or tile.

Durability

The most demanding luxury vinyl flooring brands tend to have a waterproof core, so water and spills will not shorten the floor's lifespan. In addition, styles that include a wood plastic composite (WPC) or a stone plastic composite (SPC) core are waterproof.

Since the protective wear layer determines how long your new floor will last, choosing planks and tiles with a thick top layer is prudent.

Lifespan

Once the wear layer is worn down, the image becomes marred, and the floor should be replaced. The least costly luxury vinyl styles have a 6-mil or a 12-mil wear layer.

Opt for a 20-mil wear layer, and your new luxury vinyl flooring will last 25 years or longer. Some brands even include an additional coating on the wear layer for added protection and durability.

Vinyl plank flooring is here!

While family-owned Indoor City offers luxury vinyl flooring in Lancaster, PA, and locales throughout Lancaster County, we also bring products and services to the counties of Lebanon, Dauphin, York, and Berks.

We install a floating floor, glue-down, and loose-lay luxury vinyl flooring and offer free in-home measurements, design consultation, and much more. So, shop at our showroom today, or contact us to learn more about our convenient shop-at-home service.